This picture book uses striking visual images in a powerful fable about safety and vulnerability. It tells the story of a naked man washed up on the shores of an island and the consternation his presence causes amongst its inhabitants. They grudgingly afford him the shelter of a goat pen and feed him scraps but his mere presence continues to disturb their peace of mind, arousing ugly emotions and acting as a focus for all their fears. The community overrules the lone humane voice of a fisherman who reminds them of their responsibilities and opts to restore their sense of order by driving the stranger back into the sea and fortifying their island against further intrusion.